Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce with Apple, Orange Zest, and Cinnamon Recipe
Introduction
This Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce is a simple yet flavorful twist on a classic holiday favorite. With the crispness of Granny Smith apple and a hint of orange zest and cinnamon, it adds a fresh and festive touch to any meal.

Ingredients
- 14 ounce can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 small Granny Smith apple
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, empty the can of cranberry sauce. Add the chopped Granny Smith apple.
- Step 2: Stir in orange zest and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Step 3: For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the cranberry sauce for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a fine grater for the orange zest to avoid the bitter white pith.
- For added texture, try mixing in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Adjust the cinnamon amount to taste, or substitute with ground nutmeg for a different warm spice note.
Storage
Store the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir well before serving again. This sauce is best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature if preferred.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned sauce?
Yes, but fresh cranberries require cooking with sugar and water to create a sauce. This recipe is designed for convenience using canned whole berry cranberry sauce.
Can I prepare this cranberry sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Making it at least one hour ahead allows the flavors to meld, and it can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Print
Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce with Apple, Orange Zest, and Cinnamon Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce is a simple, flavorful twist on the classic holiday condiment. It combines whole berry cranberry sauce with fresh Granny Smith apple, bright orange zest, and warm cinnamon for a refreshing and festive side dish. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal needing a tart and sweet complement.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 14 ounce can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 small Granny Smith apple, chopped
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, empty the can of whole berry cranberry sauce and add the chopped Granny Smith apple. This provides a fresh crunch and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the orange zest and ground cinnamon thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined, infusing citrus aroma and warm spice into the mixture.
- Chill for Best Flavor: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cranberry sauce for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Give it a good stir before serving for an even taste experience.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, you can pulse the sauce lightly in a food processor.
- Adjust the cinnamon amount to taste, adding more for a stronger spice note.
- This sauce pairs well with turkey, roast chicken, or pork dishes.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for optimal flavor.
- Use fresh orange zest rather than dried for best citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry sauce, whole berry, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving, apple cranberry sauce, easy sauce recipe

